Customer service display

ABSTRACT

A remote controlled or customer activated service display indicator for use in businesses serving large numbers of customers, particularly where a group of customers are maintained in a designated area to await their turn for services by one of several clerks, the service display indicating which clerk is available for service whenever a clerk has completed business with a previous customer.

United States Patent 1 ONory et a1.

[ CUSTOMER SERVICE DISPLAY [75] Inventors: Joseph ONory, 6121 WoodmanAve., Van Nuys, Calif. 91401; Richard A. Reister, Yucca Valley,

Calif.

[73] Assignee: said ONory, by said Reister [22] Filed: Feb. 4, 1974 211Appl. No.: 439,560

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No.337,762, March 2,

1973, abandoned.

[451 Feb. 25, 1975 Primary Examiner-David L. Trafton Attorney, Agent, orFirm-Pastoriza & Kelly [57] ABSTRACT A remote controlled or customeractivated service display indicator for use in businesses serving largenum- [52] U.S. Cl; 340/286, 340/332 bers of customers, particularlywhere a group of cus- [51] Int. Cl. G08b 5/36 tomers are maintained in adesignated area to await [58] Field of Search 340/286, 278, 332 theirturn for services by one of several clerks, the service displayindicating which clerk is available for ser- [56] References Cited vicewhenever a clerk has completed business with a UNITED STATES PATENTSPrevious Customerl,257,873 2/1918 Johnson 340/278 5 Claims, 4 DrawingFigures NEXT PLEASE NEXT PLEASE l 4 5 a 1 3 14 f k l 9 9' Lindsey340/332 PATENTEDFEB25I975 3;868'67O.

SHEETlllfZ i NEXT PLEASE NEXT PLEASE 5 7 6 f 8 1 f 8 I 2 3 9 1O 4 5 6 711 12-13 14 Q k9 toil H 9,

, Fig. 1

'3 1 Fig. 2 51 13 53 Fig. 3

PATENTEI] FEB2 5 I975 SHEET 2 RF 2 CUSTOMER SERVICE DISPLAY Thespecification and drawings of the present invention are acontinuation-in-part of the earlier application Ser. No. 337,762, filedMar. 2, 1973 and now abandoned. g

In businesses, such as banks, post offices, and similar businessesserving the public, a designated waiting area is sometimes maintainedfor customers to improve the efficiency of clerk service, the customersremaining in the designated area until some clerk is available forservice, thus also providing each customer with more private service. Tofurther improve the efficiency and convenience of such service, it ishelpful to have some kind of indicator, remotely controlled by theindividual clerks, or automatically activated whenever there is nocustomer at any individual clerks service counter or area.

In the present invention, an improved electrically lighted display panelwith clerk numbers (or other designations) is provided, the displaypanel flashing on the individual clerks-number (or other designation)which is available for service to the public. The display panel islocated at a central location of the service counter or area, inconspicuous view of the awaiting public, the display panel being dividedinto a right and left section to indicate clerk numbers available forservice to the right of the display panel and clerk numbers availablefor service to the left of the display panel. An electrically lightedsign stating NEXT PLEASE and an electrically lighted arrow indicatingthe direction of clerks available for service is also provided in eachright and left section of the display panel, the arrow in the leftsection indicating that clerks to the left of the panel are availablefor service, and the arrow in the right section indicating that clerksto the right of the panel are available for service. The clerk numberson the display panel are further arranged in a unique pyramid fashion,providing a large number of clerk designations on an attractive, compactdisplay panel.

Individual switching means are provided at each clerk station, so theindividual clerks may turn their respective signals on or off manuallyin the display panel.

Customer activated switching pads are also provided individually at eachclerk's service counter or area, which automatically turn off theindividual clerks number on the display panel whenever a customer is atthe clerks service counter, the clerks number flashing on automaticallywhenever the customer leaves the clerks service counter, so there is nodelay in signalling the next customer. The manually operated individualswitching means at the clerks service counter enables the clerk to turnhis signal light off temporarily if he must temporarily leave hisservice counter.

A unique circuit is provided to operate the NEXT PLEASE and arrowsignals, such that the appropriate signals in either the left or rightsection of the display panel flash on automatically whenever a clerk isavailable for service. For example, if there are seven clerk stations tothe left of the display panel, and one clerk is absent from duty, theleft NEXT PLEASE" and arrow signals would remain off until there was nocustomer at one or more of the remaining six clerks on duty. If twoclerks were absent from duty, the NEXT PLEASE and arrow signals wouldremain off until there was no customer at one of the remaining fiveclerks on duty, etc. That is, the NEXT PLEASE and arrow signals remainon until there is a customer at every station where there is a clerk onduty.

The relays, power supply, and master switch for operation of the displaypanel are mounted in a rectangular metal chassis box, located near thedisplay panel, the chassis box being uniquely provided with plug-inconnectors for convenient electrical connection of the variouselectrical cables operating the display panel from the customer switchpads and clerk switches, the plugin connectors also providing convenientremoval of the chassis box for servicing.

Another unique feature of the customer service display panel provideselectrically lighted clerk numbers (or other designations) on the backside of the display panel (not visible to the public) operated only bythe individual clerk switches, such that each individual clerks numberon the back side is lighted when he is on duty, regardless of whether ornot a customer is at his station. Thus the Operations Officerconveniently knows which clerk is on duty by the lighted numbers on theback side of the display panel.

It is accordingly one of the objects of the present invention to providea customer service display indicator, which indicates the availabilityof any of a series of clerks for service to the public.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a customer servicedisplay indicator with two sections, one section indicating theavailability of clerks for service in one direction from the displayindicator, and the other section indicating the availability of clerksfor service in the other direction from the display indicator.

A further object is to provide a customer service display indicator intwo sections with directional indicating means on each section toindicate the direction from the display panel of clerks that areavailable for service.

Another object is to provide a customer service display indicator in twosections with a NEXT PLEASE" sign in each section which signals theawaiting customers whenever any of a series of clerks that are on dutyis available for service.

A further object is to provide a customer service display indicatorintwo sections with clerk designations arranged in a unique pyramidfashion in each section to provide a large number of clerk designationson a compact, attractive display panel.

Another object is to provide means for clerks to manually operate thecustomer service display indicator, such that each clerk may indicatewhether or not he is available for service.

A further object is to provide customer activated means to operate thecustomer service display indicator, such that the display. indicatorautomatically indicates that a clerk is available for service when thereis no customer at the clerks service counter.

Another object is to provide both customer activated and manuallyoperated means to operate the service display indicator, such that thedisplay indicator automatically indicates that the clerk is availablefor service whenever there is no customer at the clerks service counter,the manually operated means allowing the clerk to turn his individualservice display indicator off if he must temporarily leave his servicecounter.

A further object is to provide unique circuit means to operate attentionand directional signals in addition to clerk designations on a displaypanel automatically whenever any of a series of clerks for service. V

Another object is to provide a chassis equipment box for operation ofthe customer service display indicator, the chassis equipment boxproviding means for mounting of components'and plug-in connectors forelectrical cables operating the display panel.

Afurther object is to provide indicating means on the back side of thecustomer service display panel indicator to clearly indicate whether ornot'each individual clerk is on duty.

Another object is to provide master switching means to turn the entireservice display indicator off or on.

Other desirable features and advantages of the invention will appearmore fully hereinafter from the following detailed description whentaken in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating one formof the invention; It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are utilized for purposes of illustration only and are not tobe taken as a definition of the limits of the invention, reference beinghad for this pur' pose to the appended claims. I

In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters refer to likeparts throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the customer service displaypanel.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the customer service display panel with thefront cover panel removed to illustrate construction details andelectrical connections of the interior.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a unique clerk insignia device tobe placed at each individual clerk station to clearly indicate theclerks number (or other designation).

FIG. 4 is a plan layout of the clerk stations in a typical bank andschematic diagram illustrating components and electrical connections foroperation of the Customer Service Display. a

While the description herein considers the instant invention as appliedto the problem of customer service display, it is to be understood thatthe present invention also relates to the novel features or principle ofthe instrumentalities described herein, whether or not such are used forthe stated objects, or in the stated fields or combinations. In thefollowing description and drawin gs, the symbol certain classes ofcomponents from other similarly numbered components.

In customer service oriented businesses, particularly such as banks, adesignated area is often set aside for customers awaiting service, asindicated in FIG. 4, where customers await in line within aisles ofropes 70 suspended between supporting posts 69. A primary element of thepresent invention is the customer service display indicator panelillustrated in FIG. 1, display panel 1 having similar clerk numberdesignations on the back side, however there are no NEXT PLEASE on dutyis available "or arrow signals on the back side. Display panel 1 iscentrally located on the service counter 60 at clerk station 8 in FIG.4, the front side (as illustrated in FIG. 4) being in conspicuous viewof the customers awaiting at the exit of the rope aisles for dispatch toan appropriate clerk.

In FIG. 4, double-pole, single-throw switches 112 at each clerk stationprovide each clerk with manual operation of his individual clerk numberon display panel 1. When the switches 112 at each clerk station areissometimes utilized to distinguish front of display panel 1,;turn oneach clerk number in the back of display panel 1, and turn on the NEXTPLEASE" signs and arrows in the front of. display panel 1 when there areno customers at the clerk stations. When a customer is at a clerkstation, the relays turn off that respective clerk s number in the frontof display panel 1 but leave on that respective clerks number in theback of display panel 1. When there is a customer at every station onlywhere there is a clerk on duty with his switch 112 turned on, the NEXTPLEASE" and arrows turn off in the front of display panel 1, the leftarrow and NEXT PLEASE being operated by stations 1 through 7, and theright arrow and NEXT PLEASE being operated by stations 8 through 14.

For purposes of illustration it is assumed that there are 14 clerkstations, display panel 1 being centrally located at station 8 on top ofequipment box 60. Equipment boxes 57 through 63 on top of servicecounter 54 are as customarily arranged in banks, the back of theequipment boxes being open for placement of each individual clerksequipment and needs, equipment boxes 58 through 61 representingrespective clerk stations 6 through 9 as indicated. Customer switch pads64 are placed individually in front of each clerk station, so that acustomer being serviced must stand on the switch pad. A cutaway view ofswitch pad 64 in front of station 7 illustrates the principle of theswitch pads. The switch pads are composed of a lower aluminumscreen 65,an upper aluminum screen 66, anda resilient insulating material 67 withappropriately spaced holes 68 being sandwichedbetween screens 65 and 66,such thata the switch pads to protect them, maintain their properposition relative to the clerk station, and conceal them from view. Theswitch pads are similar to those used to automatically open doors at theentrance to supermarkets.

In FIG. 1, the display panel is housed in a rectangular I case 1, havinga removable front panel 2 covering the entire front, and two smallerpanels 3 and '4 covering respectively the left and right half sectionsof the front as illustrated. The case and panels may be constructed ofany desired materials, such as-metal, wood, plastic, etc.,althou'ghplastic would probably be preferred for ease of construction and betterappearance. Case 1 and front panel 2 are. made of colored opaque plasticthrough which light-cannot be transmitted' Panels 3 and 4 are made oftranslucent plastic admitting passage of light but diffusing it so thatobjects beyond cannot be clearly distinguished. Rectangular windows5 and6 (for NEXT PLEASE" and arrow) respectively in panels 3 and 4 are lefttranslucent so that light may be transmitted through to clearly disclosethe colored opaque letting NEXT PLEASE and colored opaque left and rightarrows. Nearly squarewindows 7 and 8 (for clerk numerals 1 through 14)respectively in panels 3 and 4 are left translucent so that light may betransmitted through to clearly disclose the colored opaque numerals 1through 7 in panel 3, and the colored opaque numerals 8 through 14 inpanel 4. all the area of panels 3 and 4 outside of the described windows5, 6, 7, and 8 is made any desired opaque color except for a narrowtranslucent border around the outside edge approximately one-eighth orthree-sixteenths inch wide as illustrated, the translucent borderproviding a neater appearance. The arrows in windows 5 and 6 may beplaced immediately below the lettering NEXT PLEASE rather than above, ifdesired. ltis preferred that panels 3 and 4 be made as described,however the lettering NEXT PLEASE", arrows, and numerals (or other clerkdesignations) could be left translucent and the remainder of panels 3and 4 made an opaque color. Screws 9 at each corner of panels 3 and 4provide for attaching panels 2, 3, and 4 to case 1. Panels identical topanels 2, 3, and 4 are similarly provided on the back side of case 1,except that the lettering NEXT PLEASE and arrows are eliminated from theback panels, leaving only the clerk numerals (or other clerkdesignation) on the back panels. Windows 7 and 8 for the clerk numberson the front and back panels are arranged in horizontal rows in pyramidfashion as illustrated in FIG. 1 to provide a compact, attractive panel.

The interior of service display panel 1 is illustrated in F102 wherefront panels 2, 3, and 4 are removed. Horizontal plastic members 15, 16and vertical plastic members 17, 18 form the external rectangular casingor frame, the plastic members being bonded together at the corners withconventional plastic cement. Horizontal member 19 is appropriatelyspaced parallel to and below member to form a support for rectangularmetal boxes 25 and 26 in which 3 candlepower, 24 Volt AC. light bulbs 31are positioned to light up the NEXT PLEASE" and arrow windows 5 and 6,metal boxes 25 and.26 being open only at the front to transmit light.Vertical plastic member 20 is cemented midway between vertical members17 and 18 to join horizontal members 15 and 16 at the center foradditional bracing. Plastic blocks 21 are cemented at the four interiorcorners of the plastic casing l, as illustrated, into which screws 9 arethreaded for attachment of the front and back panels 2, 3, and 4 asillustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, plastic block 22 is cemented at themiddle of bottom horizontal member 16 into which screws 9 are similarlythreaded, block 22 also being provided with a center round openingthrough which supporting pipe or tubing 10 is passed. Collar 23 slipsover tubing 10, allen nut 24 securely fastening collar 23 to tubing 10.Electrical cables 11, 12, 13, and 14 pass through tubing 10 to providefor operation of the various light bulbs in the display panel. Smallplastic blocks 29 near each end of rectangular metal boxes 25 and 26provide proper spacing and support of metal boxes 25 and 26 fromhorizontal member 19, metal boxes 25 and 26 being attached to horizontalmember 19 and plastic blocks 29 with screws, bolts, or plastic cement.Spacing between metal boxes 25 and 26 and horizontal member 19 isdesirable to allow the heat from the numerous electric bulbs in metalboxes 25 and 26 to be more readily dissipated without transferring theheat directly to plastic member 19.

For purposes of illustration, only three light bulbs 31 are indicated inboxes 25 and 26, however actually about seven are used, four lower bulbsbeing placed behind the lettering NEXT PLEASE" and three upper bulbsbeing placed behind the arrows intermediately between the four lowerbulbs. Thus all seven bulbs actually provide well balanced lighting forboth the letter ing NEXT PLEASE and the arrows. If the arrows are placedbelow the lettering NEXT PLEASE", four upper bulbs 31 and three lowerbulbs 31 would be provided. Light bulb receptacle 32 is fixed tomounting bracket 30 and bracket 30 cemented, bolted, or screwed inproper position in metal boxes 25 and 26 as indicated. Terminals 33and,34 provide for electrical connection to the light bulb 31, suchlight bulb assemblies being readily available in stores. All the lightbulbs 31 in box 25 are electrically connected in parallel so that theymay all be operated simultaneously from electrical terminals 47 and 48for purposes of illustration. All the light bulbs 31 in box 26 aresimilarly electrically connected in parallel so that they may all beoperated simultaneously from electrical terminals 49 and 50 for purposesof illustration.

Light frame assemblies 27 and 28 in display panel 1 are similarlyconstructed from horizontal and vertical opaque plastic members cementedtogether as illus-, trated in FIG. 2 to respectively form cubicles 98through 104 on the left side and cubicles 105 through 111 on the rightside, the cubicles being arranged in three horizontal rows arranged inpyramid fashion as illustrated, the back of the cubicles being closedoff by an opaque plastic partition. A single 3 candlepower, 24 Volt AC.light bulb is mounted in each described cubicle, similarly as previouslydescribed, to provide an individual light source behind each clerknumber on front panels 3 and 4 in FIG. 1. For purposes of illustration,light bulbs are only illustrated in cubicles 103 and 104 on the leftside to light clerk numbers 6 and 7, and in cubicles 105 and 106 on theright side to light clerk numbers 8 and 9, it being understood that theother 'cubicles would be similarly provided with a single light bulbeach in a similar manner. Terminal 35 is electrically connected to oneterminal of each light bulb in cubicles 98 through 104, and terminal 36is electrically connected to one terminal of each light bulb in cubiclesthrough 111. The other terminal of the light bulb in cubicle 103 isterminal 37, and the other terminal of the light bulb in cubicle 104 isterminal 38. Thus electrical connection of a power source to commonterminal 35 and terminal 37 lights the bulb in cubicle 103, andelectrical connection of a power source to common terminal 35 andterminal 38 lights the bulb in cubicle 104. Similarly electricalconnection of a power source to common terminal 36 and terminal 39lights the bulb in cubicle 105, and electrical connection of a powersource to common terminal 36 and terminal 40 lights the bulb in cubicle106. r

A light frame assembly identical to assembly 27 is similarly providedwith an electric light bulb in each cubicle for the back side of displaypanel 1, an opaque partition being provided between the front assembly27 and the back assembly 27 so that light from the back cubicles willnot be transmitted to the front cubicles. Thus the clerk numbers 1through 7 on the back side of display panel 1 may be respectivelylighted by each individual clerk switch, while the clerk numbers 1through 7 on the front side of display panel 1 may be turned off by therespective customer activated switch pads when a customer is at a clerksstation. For purposes of illustration, terminal 41 is the common termi-,7 nal for the back lights 1 through 7 (similarly as terminal 35 is thecommon terminal for the front lights 1 through 7). Terminal 43 inconjunction with common terminal 41 then provides for the lighting ofback clerk number 6 (similarly as front clerk number 6), and terminal 44in conjunction with common terminal 41 then provides for the lightingofback clerk number 7 (similarly as front clerk number 7).

A light frame assembly identical to assembly 28 is similarly providedwith an electric light bulb in each cubicle for the back side of displaypanel 1, an opaque partition being provided betweenthe frontassembly 28and the back assembly 28 so that light from the back cubicles will notbe transmitted to the front cubicles. Thus the clerk numbers 8 through14 on the back side of display panel 1 may be similarly respectivelylighted by each individual clerk switch, while the clerk numbers 8through 14 on the front side of display panel '1 may be turned off bythe respective customer activated switch pads when a customer is at aclerks station. For purposes of illustration,-terminal 42 is the commonterminal for the back lights 8 through 14 (similarly as terminal 36is-the common terminal for the front lights 8 through 14). Terminal 45in conjunction with common terminal42 then provides for the lighting ofback clerk number 8 (similarly as front clerk number 8), and terminal 46in conjuntion with common terminal 42 then provides for the lighting ofback clerk number 9 (similarly as front clerk number 9). The back clerknumbers may be either placed opposite corresponding front clerk numbersto read from right to left, or may read from left to right, and couldactually be arranged in any manner or form desired.

If there are a smaller number of clerk stations, for ex ample eight,cubicles 98 through 100 on the left side of display panel .1 in FIG. 2and cubicles 105 through 107 on the right side would be eliminated,leaving clerk numbers 1 through 4 in a single row on the left and clerknumbers'S through 8 in a single row on the right. The two single rows ofclerk numbers thus provided might be placed one above theother in asingle section of display panel 1, thearrow for the top row thenpointing to the left, and the arrow for the bottom row then pointing tothe right. That is, an upper and lower section would be created ratherthana left and right section in panel 1. r l

A single common NEXT PLEASE sign may also be placed between an upper andlower row of clerk station numbers on the front side of display panel 1,with an upper arrow pointing to the left and a lower arrow pointing tothe right, however due to circuitry it is preferred that one set oflight bulbs be provided in the NEXT PLEASE" sign operated from the clerkstations to the left, and another set of light bulbs be provided in theNEXT PLEASE sign operated from the clerk stations to the right; The twosets of light bulbs in a single common NEXT PLEASE" sign then createexcessive heating difficulties when a clerk is available for serviceboth to the right and left of the display panel 1 which causes both setsof light bulbs to be operated simultaneously in the single common NEXTPLEASE sign. This it is preferred that a separate NEXT PLEASE sign andarrow be provided for the clerk stations to the right and left ofdisplay panel 1 as previously described.

The circuitry for operation of display panel 1 is illustrated in FIG. 4.A double-pole, single-throw switch 8. 112 is provided at each individualclerk station, mounted in a position where it may be convenientlyoperated by each individual'clerk. For purposes of illus tration, thecircuitry for only clerk stations 6 and 7 to the right of display panel1 (to the left of the awaiting public) and the circuitry for only clerkstations 8 and 9 to the left of display panel 1 (to the right of theawaiting public) is sufficient to demonstrate the principle ofoperation, the circuitry for'additional stations being similar.

Terminal 83 is electrically connected to terminal 1 of a first pole ofdouble-pole, single-throw switch 112 at each clerk station to the rightof display panel 1 in FIG. 4 as illustrated. Terminal 84 is electricallyconnected to terminal 3 of the second pole of doublepole, single-throwswitch 112 at each clerk station to the right of display panel 1 in FIG.4 as illustrated. Terminal 85 is electrically connected to terminal 2 ofthe first pole of switch 1 12 at clerk station 6, and terminal 87 iselectrically connected to terminal 4 of the second pole of switch 112at-clerkstation 6 as illustrated. Thus when switch 112 at clerk station6 is turned on, terminal 85 becomes electrically connected to commonterminal 83, and terminal 87 becomes electrically connected to commonterminal 84. Terminal 86 is electrically connected to terminal 2 of afirst pole of switch 112 at clerk station 7, and terminal 88 iselectrically connected to terminal 4 of the second pole of switch 112 atclerk station 7 as illustrated. Thus when switch 112 at clerk station 7is turned on, terminal 86 becomes electrically connected to commonterminal 83, and terminal 88 becomes electrically connected to commonterminal 84. Turning switches 112 off at stations 6 and 7 disconnectsthe described electrical connections to common terminals 83 and 84 asillustrated.

Terminal 89 is electrically connected to terminal 1 of a first pole ofdouble-pole, single-throw switch 112 at each clerk station to the leftof display panel 1 in FIG. 4 as illustrated. Terminal 90 is electricallyconnected to terminal 3 of-the second pole of double pole,single-throw'switch 112 at each clerk station to the left of displaypanel 1 in FIG. 4 as illustrated. Terminal 91 is electrically, connectedto terminal -2 of a first pole of switch 112 at clerk station 8, andterminal 93 is electrically connected to terminal 4 of the sec ond poleof switch 112 at clerk station 8 as illustrated. Thus when switch 112 atclerk station 8 is turned on, terminal 91 becomes electrically connectedto common terminal 89, and terminal 93 becomes electrically connected tocommon terminal 90. Terminal 92 is electrically connected to terminal 2of a first pole of switch 112 at clerk station 9, and terminal 94 iselectrically connected to terminal 4 of the second pole of switch 112 atclerk station 9 as illustrated. Thus when switch 112 at clerk station 9is turned on, terminal 92 becomes electrically connected to commonterminal 89, and terminal 94 becomes electrically connected to commonterminal 90. Turning switches 112 off at stations 8 and 9 disconnectsthe described electrical connections to common terminals 89 and 90 asillustrated.

Terminal 81 is electrically connected to a first screen in customerswitch pads 64 at each clerk station to the right of display panel 1 inFIG. 4 (to the left of the awaiting public). Terminal 82 is electricallyconnected to a first screen in customer switch pads 64 at eachclerkstation to the left of display panel 1 in FIG. 4 as illustrated (tothe right of the awaiting public). Terminal 78 is electrically connectedto a second screen in switch pad 64 at clerk station 7, and terminal 77is electrically connected to a second screen in switch pad 64 at clerkstation 6. Thus when a customer stands on switch pad 64 at clerk station6, terminal 77 is electrically connected to common terminal 81, and whena customer stands on switch pad 64 at clerk station 7, terminal 78 iselectrically connected to common terminal 81. When a customer steps offswitch pads 64 at clerk stations 6 and 7, terminals 77 and 78 arerespectively electrically disconnected from common terminal 81, duetothe nature of switch pads 64 as previously described.

Similarly terminal 79 is electrically connected to a second screen inswitch pad 64 at clerk station 8, and terminal 80 is electricallyconnected to a second screen in switch pad 64 at clerk station 9. Thuswhen a customer stands on switch pad 64 at clerk station 8, terminal 79is electrically connected to common terminal 82, and when a customerstands on switch pad 64 at clerk station 9, terminal 80 is electricallyconnected to common terminal 82. When a customer steps offswitch pads 64at clerk stations 8 and 9, terminals 79 and 80 are respectivelyelectrically disconnected from com mon terminal 82.

In FIG. 4, outline 76 represents a rectangular metal chassis box inwhich various components may be mounted for operation of display panel1, such as power transformer 75, single-pole, single-throw master switch95, double-pole, single-throw relays 71, 72, 73, and 74 with normallyclosed contacts 1 and 2, and various multi-pin electrical plug-inconnectors to be described for convenient connection and disconnectionof various electrical cables for operation of display panel 1. Powertransformer 75 may be mounted in the bottom of box 76, relays 71, 72,73, and 74 attached to a metal baseboard (not illustrated) mounted abovetransformer 75 in box 76, master switch 95 mounted in one end of box 76,and the various multi-pin electrical connectors mounted in the sides orends of box 76 .above the relay baseboard where convenient electricalconnection may be made to the relays. Any type box may be used,a'conventional fuse box available in stores being equipped with aconvenient metal baseboard for the mounting of the relays and also aremovable cover.

For operation of the light bulbs for clerk numbers 1 through 7 indisplay panel 1, the PR pin electrical connectors in FIG. 4 represent aright pad multi-pin electrical connector (mounted in the right side ofchassis box 76) for electrical connection to customer switch pads 64 forclerk stations 1 through 7, the SRA pin connectors represent a firstright switch multi-pin electrical connector for the first pole ofdouble-pole switches 112 at clerk stations 1 through 7, the SRB pinconnectors represent a second right switch multi-pin electricalconnector for the second pole of double-pole switches 112 at clerkstations 1 through 7, the LRF pin connectors represent a right frontlight multi-pin electrical connector for the light bulbs in the frontclerk numbers 1 through 7 and the NEXT PLEASE sign and arrow for thefront clerk numbers 1 through 7 in display panel 1, and the LRB pinconnectors represent a right back light multi-pin electrical connectorfor the light bulbs in the back clerk numbers 1 through 7 in displaypanel 1.

For operation of the light bulbs for clerk numbers 8 through 14 indisplay panel 1, the PL pin connectors in FIG. 4 represent a left padmulti-pin electrical connector (mounted in the left side of box 76) forelectrical connection to customer switch pads 64 for clerk stations 8through 14, the SLA pin connectors represent a first left switchmulti-pin electrical connector for the first pole of double-poleswitches 112 at clerk stations 8 through 14, the SLB pins represent asecond left switch multi-pin electrical connector for the second pole ofdouble-pole switches 112 at clerk stations 8 through 14, the LLF pinsrepresent a left front light multi-pin electrical connector for thelight bulbs in front clerk numbers 8 through 14 and the NEXT PLEASE signand arrow for front clerk numbers 8 through 14 in display panel 1, andthe LLB pin connectors represent a left back light multi-pin electricalconnector for the light bulbs in back clerk numbers 8 through 14 indisplay panel 1. The multi-pin electrical connectors may be either ofthe conventional round or rectangular type for plug-in electricalconnection to chassis components.

Power transformer has a Volt A.C. primary input through terminals 96 and97, and a 24 Volt A.C. secondary output, all components for operation ofdisplay panel 1 being operated at 24 Volts A.C. A power transformer isselected having the appropriate Volt- Ampere capacity for the requirednumber of clerk stations. A 110 Volt A.C. line cord may be eitherconnected directly or through a conventional multi-pin electricalconnector to input terminals 96 and 97 of power transformer 75. Abattery or 24 Volt DC. power source might replace power transformer 75,however the 24 Volt A.C. power transformer would likely be preferred.

To operate the various relays, in FIG. 4, relay 71 is assigned to clerkstation 6, relay 72 is assigned to clerk station 7, relay 73 is assignedto clerk station 8, and relay 74 is assigned toclerk station 9 forpurposes of ilustration. An additional relay would be assigned to eachadditional clerk station in a similar manner. Terminal 113 of thesecondary winding of power transformer 75 is electrically connected toterminal of relays 71, 72, 73, and 74 as illustrated. Terminal 116 ofrelay 71 is electricaally connected to the female terminal of pin PR1,the male pin PR1 being electrically connected to terminal 77 of switchpad 64 in front of clerk station 6 through an appropriate electricalcable. Terminal 116 of relay 72 is electrically connected to the femaleterminal of pin PR2, the male pin PR2 being electrically connected toterminal 78 of switch pad 64 in front of clerk station 7 through anappropriate electrical cable. Terminal 114 of the secondary winding oftransformer 75 is electrically connected to the female terminal of pinPRC, the male pin PRC being electrically connected to common terminal 81for switch pads 64 to the right of display panel 1, as illustrated inFIG. 4

Terminal 116 of relay 73 is electrically connected to the femaleterminal of pin PLl, the male pin PLl being electrically connected toterminal 79 of switch pad 64 in front of clerk station 8. Terminal 116of relay 74 is electrically connected to the female terminal of pin PL2,the male pin PL2 being electrically connected to terminal 80 of switchpad 64 in front of clerk station 9. Terminal 114 of the secondarywinding of transformer 75 is electrically connected to the femaleterminal of 11 pin PLC, the male, pin PLC being electrically connectedto common terminal 82 for switch pads 64 to the left of display panel 1,as illustrated in FIG. 4. Thus when a customer is at clerk stations 6,7, 8, or 9, relays 71, 72, 73, or 74 are correspondingly. energized.Additional relays in chassis box 76 are similarly energized by thecustomer switch pads at the other clerk stations through additional pinsin the right-and left pad multipin electrical connectors.

To operate the clerk numbers on the front side of display panel 1, inFIG. 4, terminal 113 of the secondary winding of transformer 75 iselectrically connected'to the female terminal of pin LRFC, male pin LRFCbeing electrically connected (through an appropriate cable such as cable11 of FIG. 2) to common terminal 35 of light bulbs 31 in cubicles 98through 104 for front clerk numbers 1 through 7 in display panel 1 ofFIGS. 1 and 2 as illustrated. In FIG. 4, the movable contact of contact#1 in relay 71 is electrically connected to the female terminal of pinLRFl, male pin LRFl being electrically connected to terminal 37 of thelight bulb for clerk number 6 of display panel 1 in FIG. 2 asillustrated. In FIG. 4, the stationary contact of contact 1 in relay 71is' electrically connected to the female terminal of pin SRA1, male pinSRA1 being electrically connected to terminal 85 of switch 112 for clerkstation 6. When switch 112 at clerk station 6 is closed, terminal 85 iselectrically connected to common terminal 83 as previously described.Common terminal 83 is electrically connected (through an appropriatecable) to male pin SRAC, the female terminal of pin SRAC beingelectrically connected to terminal 114 of the secondary winding oftransformer 75. Thus when switch 112 at station 6 is turned on, theelectrical circuit from the secondary winding of power transformer 75 iscompleted. to light the bulb in the front clerk number 6 on" displaypanel 1 until a customer steps on switch pad 64 in front of station 6 toenergize relay 71 to break the electrical circuit through contact #1 ofrelay 71.

In FIG. 4, the movable contact of contact #1 in relay 72 is electricallyconnected to the femaleterminal of pin LRF2, malepin'. LRF2beingelectrically connected to terminal 38 of the light bulb for frontclerk number 7 of display panel 1 in FIG. 2 as illustrated. In FIG. 4,the stationary contact of contact #1 in relay 72 is electricallyconnected to the female terminal of pin SRA2, male pin SRA2 beingelectrically connected to terminal 86 of switch 112 for clerk station 7.When switch 112 at clerk station 7 is closed, terminal 86 iselectrically connected to common terminal 83 as previously described,common terminal 83 being electrically connected to pin SRAC and fromthere to terminal 114 of the secondary winding of transformer 75 aspreviously described. Thus when switch 112 at station 7 is turned on,the electrical circuit from the secondary winding of transformer 75 iscompleted to light the bulb in the front clerk number 7 on displaypanel1 until a customer steps on switch pad 64 in front of station 7 toenergize relay 72 to break the electrical circuit through contact #1 ofrelay 72.

When switches 112 for clerk stations 8 and 9 are turned on, the lightbulbs for the front clerk numbers 8 and 9 in display panel 1 aresimilarly turned on rereqtiv xth q shtm 9ma tsp r ay 73 an 7 and thecorresponding left multi-pin electrical connectors, PL, SLA, and LLF,similarly as described for front clerk numbers 6 and 7, until a customersteps on switch 12 pad 64 in frontof'station 7 or 8 to energize relay 73or 74 to break the electrical circuit through contact l of relay 73 or74. I I i To operate the NEXT PLEASE sign and arrow. in the front sideof display panel 1, in FIG. 4, terminal 113 of the secondary winding oftransformer-75 is electrically connected to the movable contact #2 inrelays 71:72, 735m 74. The stationary contact of contact #Z in rglay 71is electrically connected to the female terminal of pin SRBl, the malepin SRBl being electrically connected to terminal 87 of the second poleof switch 112 at clerk station 6. When switch 112 at clerk station 6 isclosed, terminal 87 is electrically connected to common terminal 84 aspreviously described. Common terminal 84 is electrically connected tothe male pin SRBC, the female terminal of pin SRBC being electricallyconnected to the female terminal of pin LRF10. The male pin LRF 10 iselectrically connected to terminal 48 of the light bulbs for the NEXTPLEASE sign and arrow for clerk stations 1 through 7. Terminal 47 of thelight bulbs for the NEXT PLEASE sign .and arrow for clerk stations 1through 7 is electrically connected to the male pin LRF9, the femaleterminal of pin LRF9 being electrically connected to terminal 114 of thesecondary winding of power transformer 75. Thus when switch 112 atstation 6 is turned on, the electrical circuit from the secondarywinding of transformer 75 is completed to light the bulbs in the NEXTPLEASE sign and arrow for clerk numbers 1 through 7 until a customersteps on switch pad 64 in front of station 6 to energize relay 71 tobreak the electrical circuit hrough sentact #27 ofl eyjll To furtheroperate the NEXT PLEASE sign and arrow in the front side of displaypanel 1, in FIG. 4, the

stati ar sqx ist tgemeq #2 in r ay r cally connected to the femaleterminal of pin- SRB2, the male pin SRB2 being electrically connected toterminal 88 of the second pole of switch 112 at clerk station 7. Whenswitch 112 at clerk station 7 is closed, terminal 88 is electricallyconnected to common terminal 84 as previously described-The electricalcircuit from common terminal 84 is completed through the SRBC pin, theLRF10 pin, and theLRF9 pin back to terminal 114 of the secondary windingof transformer 75 as previously described to further operate the NEXTPLEASE" sign and arrow for clerk numbers 1 through 7 until a customersteps on switch pad 64 in front of station 7 to energize relay 72 tobreak the electrical circuit through contact #2 of relay 72. Thus theNEXT PLEASE sign and arrow for clerk stations 1 through 7 in the frontof display panel 1 remains on until there is a customer at both stations6 and 7 to energize both relays 71 and 72, provided switches 112 atstations 6 and 7 are both turned on. Relays for clerk stations 1 through5 are electrically connected similarly as relays 71 and 72 such that theNEXT PLEASE" sign and arrow for stations 1 through 7 remains on untilthere is a customer at every station where there is a clerk on duty toturn his individual switch 112 on. If any clerk is absent, so that hisindividual switch 112 is turned off, the electrical circuit from thatstation to light the NEXT PLEASE sign and arrow is turned off such thatthe NEXT PLEASE" sign and arrow will remain on until there is a customerat each of the remaining clerks on duty at stations 1 through 7.

In FIG. 4, the #2 contacts of relays 73, 74, and similar relays forclerk stations 8 through 14 are similarly electrically connected throughthe SLB and LLF multipin electrical connectors and switches 112 atstations 8 through 14 to operate the NEXT PLEASE sign and arrow forclerk numbers 8 through 14 in the front of display panel 1, asillustrated and previously described for clerk stations 1 through 7.

To operate the clerk numbers on the back side of display panel 1, inFIG. 4, terminal 113 of the secondary winding of transformer 75 iselectrically connected to the female terminal of pin LRBC and to thefemale terminal of pin LLBC, the male pin LRBC being electricallyconnected to the common terminal 41 for the light bulbs in the clerknumbers 1 through 7 on the back side of display panel 1, and the malepin LLBC being electrically connected to the common terminal 42 for thelight bulbs in the clerk numbers 8 through 14 on the back side ofdisplay panel 1, as indicated in FIG. 2 and previously described. InFIG. 2, terminal 43 of the light bulb for clerk number 6 on the backside of display panel 1 (as previously described) is electricallyconnected to the male pin LRBl in FIG. 4, the female terminal of pinLRBl being electrically connected to the female terminal of pin SRAl.The electrical circuit from the male pin SRAl passes through terminal 85of switch 112 at station 6, common terminal 83 when switch 112 atstation 6 is closed, pin SRAC to terminal 114 of the secondary windingof transformer 75, as previously described. Thus when switch 112 atstation 6 is turned on, clerk number 6 on the back side of display panel1 lights up, regardless of whether or not a customer is at station 6 toenergize relay 71.

In FIG. 2, terminal 44 of the light bulb for clerk number 7 on the backside of display panel 1 (as previously described) is electricallyconnected to the male pin LRB2 in FIG. 4, the female terminal of pinLRB2 being electrically connected to thefemale terminal of pin SRA2. Theelectrical circuit from the male pin SRA2 passes through terminal 86 ofswitch 112 at station 7, common terminal 83 when switch 112 at station 7is closed, pin SRAC to terminal 114 of the secondary winding oftransformer 75, as previously described. Thus when switch 112 at station7 is turned on, clerk number 7 on the back side of display panel lightsup, regardless of whether or not a customer is at station 7 to energizerelay 72.

In FIG. 2, terminal 45 of the light bulb for clerk number 8 on the backside of display panel 1 (as previously described) is electricallyconnected to the male pin LLBl in FIG. 4, the female terminal of pinLLBl being electrically connected to the female terminal of pin SLAI.The electrical circuit from the male pin SLAl passes through terminal 91of switch 112 at station 8, common terminal 89 when switch 112 atstation 8 is closed, pin SLAC to terminal 114 of the secondary windingof transformer 75. Thus when switch 112 at station 8 is turned on, clerknumber 8 on the back side of display panel 1 lights up, regardless ofwhether or not a customer is at station 8 to energize relay 73.

In FIG. 2, terminal 46 of the light bulb for clerk number 9 on the backside of display panel 1 (as previously described) is electricallyconnected to the male pin LLB2 in FIG. 4, the female terminal of pinLLB2 being electrically connected to the female terminal of pin SLA2.The electrical circuit from the male pin SLAZ passes through terminal 92of switch 112 at station 9, common terminal 89 when switch 112 atstation 9 is closed, pin SLAC to terminal 114 of the secondary windingof transformer 75. Thus when switch 112 at station 9 is turned on, clerknumber 9 on the back side of display panel 1 lights up, regardless ofwhether or not a customer is at station 9 to energize relay 74. When anyclerk is not at his individual station, turning switch 112 off at hisstation turns his clerk number off in the front side and back side ofdisplay panel 1.

In FIG. 2, cable 11 may be utilized for electrical connection of the LRFpins in FIG. 4 to operate the front clerk numbers 1 through 7 and theNEXT PLEASE" sign and arrow for clerk numbers 1 through 7, cable 12 maybe utilized for electrical connection of LLF pins to operate the frontclerk numbers 8 through 14 and the NEXT PLEASE" sign and arrow for clerknumbers 8 through 14, cable 13 may be utilized for electrical connectionof the LRB pins to operate the back clerk numhers I through 7, and cable14 may be utilized for electrical connection of the LLB pins to operatethe back clerk numbers 8 through 14. Cables l1, l2, l3, and 14 would ofcourse have an appropriate number of wires in each cable of appropriatewire gauge for the number and candlepower of light bulbs utilized indisplay panel 1. An appropriate amperage fuse may be placed in series(not illustrated) with the output of terminal 113 or 114 of thesecondary winding of power transformer to guard against possibleinadvertent short circuits in the customer display system.

To mount display panel 1 in FIG. 2 on top of the service counter inconspicuous view of the awaiting public, a hole is drilled in thecounter tops 60 and S4 in FIG. 4 through which metal tubing 10 ispassed. Another collar (not illustrated) similar to collar 23 is slippedon tubing 10 beneath counter 60 or 54 and securely fastened by means ofthe allen nut, similarly as allen nut or screw 24 in collar 23. If it isdesired to raise the display panel 1 above the counter top, a plastictubing or collar may be slipped over tubing 10 between the bottom ofdisplay panel 1 and the counter top 60 to support display panel 1 at thedesired height, preferably at eye level of the awaiting public. Chassisequipment box. 76 is mounted on the counter wall beneath the counter top54 at clerk station 7 or 8.

The insignia device in FIG. 3 is made from a plastic base 52, a plasticdowel rod 53 cemented into a drilled hole in base 52, and plastic member51 made in a V shape as illustrated is cemented to dowel rod 53, theappropriate clerk numbers (or other designation) being appropriatelyinscribed on both sides of V shaped member 51. The described insigniadevices may be placed on top of the counter at each clerk station toclearly designate the clerk station to the awaiting public through awide angle in front of the insignia device.

Since many changes could be made in the aforesaid construction and manyapparently widely different embodiments of this invention could be madewithout departure from the scope thereof, it is intended that all mattercontained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawingsshall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

l. A customer service display apparatus for use with a series ofcustomer service stations, comprising, in combination:

a. a public display panel including a series of station indicating meansfor respectively indicating, when operating, the availability of each ofthe customer service stations for service to the awaiting public,

15 said public display panel being placed in conve? nient view ofthe'awaiting public;

an operation personnel displaay panel including a series ofon-dutyindicating means respectively indicating, when operated, whetheror not each of said customer service stations has a clerk on duty, saidoperation personnel display panel being placed in convenient view ofoperation personnel only; i

0. customer sensing switch means at each of said customer servicestations connected to said public display panel for operating acorresponding station indicating means in response to a customer leavinga customer service station to thereby indicate on said public displaypanel the particular customer service station that is available to servethe next I customer, the customer sensing switch means renderinginoperative the corresponding station indicating means in response to acustomer arriving at the customer service station to thereby indicatethat said station is no longer available for service to a next customerwhile the customer is still present at the station; and,

d. clerk operated switch means at each customer service stationconnected to said public display panel and to said operation personneldisplay panel for overriding the customer sensing switch means at therespective customer sensing station whereby operation of said clerkoperated switch means renders the correspondingg station indicatingmeans inoperative and simultaneously renders the corresponding on-dutyindicating means inoperative to thereby advise operation personnel thatthe clerk at the particular customer service station has left or is notavailable for service.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which said customer servicestations are identified by numerals,

said station indicating means on said public display panelcomprisingcorresponding numerals which are electrically lighted whenoperated, and in which said on-duty indicating means on said operationpersonnel display panel similarly comprises numerals corresponding tothe numerals identifying the customer service stations and which areelectrically lighted when operated, whereby a lighted numeral on thepublic display panel designates that the corresponding numbered customerservice station is available for service and a lighted numeral on saidoperation personnel display panel indicates that the clerk for thecorresponding numbered customer service station is on duty.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, in which said operation personneldisplay panel comprises the back of said public display panel and inwhich the customer sensing switch means comprises switch pads on thefloor area in front of the customer service stations, the switch meansbeing operated by a customers presence and absence from in front of thecustomer service stations.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which said series of customerservice stations are divided into first and second sections, said publicdisplay panel including direction indicating means connected to beoperated whenever one of the station indicating means is operated toindicate the direction of the section containing the customer servicestation corresponding to said one of the station indicating means.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, in which said public display panelincludes attention getting means connected to be operated whenever oneof the station tention of the awaiting public whenever a customerservice station is available for service.

1. A customer service display apparatus for use with a series ofcustomer service stations, comprising, in combination: a. a publicdisplay panel including a series of station indicating means forrespectively indicating, when operating, the availability of each of thecustomer service stations for service to the awaiting public, saidpublic display panel being placed in convenient view of the awaitingpublic; b. an operation personnel displaay panel including a series ofon-duty indicating means respectively indicating, when operated, whetheror not each of said customer service stations has a clerk on duty, saidoperation personnel display panel being placed in convenient view ofoperation personnel only; c. customer sensing switch means at each ofsaid customer service stations connected to said public display panelfor operating a corresponding station indicating means in response to acustomer leaving a customer service station to thereby indicate on saidpublic display panel the particular customer service station that isavailable to serve the next customer, the customer sensing switch meansrendering inoperative the corresponding station indicating means inresponse to a customer arriving at the customer service station tothereby indicate that said station is no longer available for service toa next customer while the customer is still present at the Station; and,d. clerk operated switch means at each customer service stationconnected to said public display panel and to said operation personneldisplay panel for overriding the customer sensing switch means at therespective customer sensing station whereby operation of said clerkoperated switch means renders the correspondingg station indicatingmeans inoperative and simultaneously renders the corresponding on-dutyindicating means inoperative to thereby advise operation personnel thatthe clerk at the particular customer service station has left or is notavailable for service.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, in whichsaid customer service stations are identified by numerals, said stationindicating means on said public display panel comprising correspondingnumerals which are electrically lighted when operated, and in which saidon-duty indicating means on said operation personnel display panelsimilarly comprises numerals corresponding to the numerals identifyingthe customer service stations and which are electrically lighted whenoperated, whereby a lighted numeral on the public display paneldesignates that the corresponding numbered customer service station isavailable for service and a lighted numeral on said operation personneldisplay panel indicates that the clerk for the corresponding numberedcustomer service station is on duty.
 3. An apparatus according to claim2, in which said operation personnel display panel comprises the back ofsaid public display panel and in which the customer sensing switch meanscomprises switch pads on the floor area in front of the customer servicestations, the switch means being operated by a customer''s presence andabsence from in front of the customer service stations.
 4. An apparatusaccording to claim 1, in which said series of customer service stationsare divided into first and second sections, said public display panelincluding direction indicating means connected to be operated wheneverone of the station indicating means is operated to indicate thedirection of the section containing the customer service stationcorresponding to said one of the station indicating means.
 5. Anapparatus according to claim 1, in which said public display panelincludes attention getting means connected to be operated whenever oneof the station indicating means is operated to further bring to theattention of the awaiting public whenever a customer service station isavailable for service.